Where do I log PA UC job search activities? CareerLink registration not enough?

You're on the right track! The UC-304 form is perfect for DOCUMENTING your work search activities, but you don't necessarily need to upload it every week. Here's how it works: 1. When you file your weekly certification, you'll be asked if you met the work search requirements (2 job applications + 1 work search activity) 2. You answer YES if you did them 3. Keep the UC-304 forms with your records - you only need to provide them if PA UC specifically requests them during an audit Many people think they need to upload proof every week, but PA UC only requires you to KEEP records of your activities. They may randomly audit you and request documentation, which is when you'd provide those completed UC-304 forms. Just make sure you're accurately tracking everything!

The system is SO FRUSTRATING!! I've been on PA unemployment for 3 months and they never clearly explained this anywhere! I actually WAS uploading my UC-304 every single week and turns out it wasn't even necessary. What a waste of time! And then they had the nerve to audit me anyway and I had to re-send everything I'd already uploaded. The whole system is designed to trip people up and deny benefits, I swear.

To clarify the actual requirements: 1. You must MAINTAIN records of all work search activities using form UC-304 or equivalent documentation 2. You only need to PROVIDE this documentation if specifically requested during an audit 3. During weekly certifications, you simply DECLARE that you completed the requirements Additionally, while registering with PA CareerLink is mandatory within 30 days of your initial claim, using CareerLink for your job search is optional. You can apply to jobs through any source (Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites, etc.) and they all count toward your weekly requirements. My recommendation: create a simple spreadsheet or use the UC-304 form, but keep it organized. Document the date, company name, position, how you applied, and any follow-up. This makes it easy if you ever get audited.

After dealing with PA unemployment for months, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which literally saved me when I had questions about work search requirements. I had been trying to call PA UC for 3 weeks with no luck - just busy signals and disconnects. Claimyr got me through to an actual person who explained exactly what I needed to document for my specific situation. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent told me that yes, keeping the UC-304 forms is sufficient, but they recommended documenting a bit more than the minimum requirements just in case. Apparently they're doing more random audits this year.

This might be a dumb question but does applying to the same company for different positions count as 2 separate job applications? Or do they have to be different companies? I've been applying to like 5 positions a week but sometimes 2-3 are at the same company.

i dont even do the uc-304 i just write everything down in a notebook with dates is that ok???

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: 1. I need to KEEP records of my work search activities (UC-304 or equivalent) 2. I DON'T need to upload them weekly unless specifically requested 3. During weekly certification, I just answer truthfully that I completed the activities 4. It's smart to document more than the minimum requirements This has been so helpful - the PA UC website is not clear about this at all!